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CUPID ABROAD; 



OR 



MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED; 



A P O E M. 



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CUPID ABROAD; 



OR 



MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED: 



A POEM 



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HERCULES SAMSON FRESSMARKLE^ fA^ex^^l 



%^." 



HllLADELPHIA : 
J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 

1846. 



^ 



Reapectfully inscribed to 

<!i\]t £abie0 of iinercer0bttrg, 



BT 

Hercules Sarasoa Tressioarkle, 



I 



CANTO I. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

The Invocation —Jupiter takes a pious fit, repudiates "wo- 
men aivi wine," (more proparly nectar,) convokes the Gods, to 
whom he laments tlie dflplorable ignorance of th? inhabitants 
of tliis sublunary world ; proposing at the same time to rescue 
th-^m from this mental darkness, by establishin<^ a Seminary of 
Learninar. Appollo arrives — a knock down between him and 
Jupiter in contemplation, whicli, however, is prevented by the 
unanimous voice of the Gods in favor of Appollo— who amid a 
fhunderin<T clamor starts off about the intended employment — 
with which ends the first canto. 



Come thou that dvvellest, de'il a matter where 
On Helicon or in Parnassian groves ; 
Deign to fjrsake awhile th' Olympian hill, 
To guide a wand'ring mortal through its shades, 
And teach him where the famed Castalian spring 
With tuneful voice meanders down the mount ; 
That he may rost his whistle, when the strain 
In unmelodious echoes f ilt'ring, sinks. 
Thou that wast light to Homers rayless eyes — 
Who did'st in?!pire the Sw%\ of Avon's song — 
Breathe softly on my unexperienc'd lyre ; 
For with no middle flight I mean to soar, 
E'en where the MrGHTiER have in vain assay 'd. 

Long had the Gods concernlessly reclin'd 
Upon their cloudy thrones in soft repose, 
Sipping their nectar, or (cxsing in fond sport 
And am'rous play, the lovely dames of Hcav'n, 
Forgeting in their ease this distant world, 



6 CUPID ABROAD, OR * 

Where man forgotten, was not long to take 
The steering of his own storm-driven craft; 
To drive on business on his own accord ; 
When Jupiter rose from his ancient throne, 
Unfolding lovely Juno's circling arras, 
He snatch'd his trumpet, and athwart the sky 
Sweird a fierce blast that shook unto the core, 
The whole illimitable universe. 

Soon heard the Gods the om'nous reveille, 
From north and south, and utmost east and west, 
On, on they hurry, at their sovereign's call, 
A company, whose heavenly aspect can 
By mortal mind, but faintly be conceived. 
Now to enamell'd tables wrought in gold, 
Fashion'd by Mulciber's unrivall'd skill. 
Laden with choicest food, of sweetest gus t 
To god-like appetites, among them stood; 
While all around the lucid nectar sent 
Ambrosial odors on the fragrant breeze; 
Attending youths fiU'd up the deep-mouth'd cups. 
Stirr'd by a mutual impulse, all arose 
With Bacchanalian din, and cup in hand — 
Thundering aloud, " Here's health to mighty Jove," 
Then down their throats the heav'nly liquor flow'd. 

Scarce had they smack'd their lips, when from his seat, 
The Thunderer arose amid the din, 
And hurling forth a triple thunderbolt. 
By way of making silence, and t' invite 



MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED. 

The noisy crowd to give him audience. 

Accomplish'd which, to them he thus began : 

" Inhabitants of Heav'n," here Mercury, 

Sig'nificantly pointed to his side. 

Where Juno snugly sat with hst'ning ear, 

Eager to know the unexpected news. 

Jove saw the sign, and fiercely looking round, 

Leer'd on the Goddess with an angry frown; 

And slie well knowing it v/as time t' obey. 

Rose from her seat, and proudly tripp'd away. 

Fair Juno gone, thus he began once more : 

" Inhabitants of Heav'n, long we have lain, 
In sluggish indolence, and feasting ease. 
'Tis time we rouse ourselves. On every hand 
Accumulating more and more each day. 
Toil heap'd on toil unto my eyes dolh rise ; 
Repair is to be made on every side, 
Or all forsooth will shortly go to wreck. 
But for the present especially yon earth, 
Requires our 'mediate thoughts ; for I pei'ceive 
That Ignorance doth fast attain the sway, 
Enchaining mortals m its iron yoke. 
While struggling in their misery they lie. 
Looking in vain for aid, yet none at hand. 
Them will I raise, and this the gitacious pi in : 
They shall uprear a building, broad and high, 
Like that which once beneath the classic shade 
Of Athens' citadel sublimely stood; 
Whcrf^ Zeno tau2;ht. whore tuneful Musa,'us sani 



y CUPID ABROAD, OR 

This shall they build," — *• Stop," cried a sudden voice, 

And all look'd 'round affrighted and ag-hast, 

On him who dar'd tlius interrupt tlie King-; 

Wlien from their midst, in matchless majesty, 

The far-fam'd Prince of Eloquence arose : 

Phoebus, Apollo, or whatever hi;^ht. 

Forward he stalk'd, and to the frowning Jove, 

Curving his form in an almighty bow, 

And turning to the assembly with another. 

Nor god-like less — his wond'rous speech began : 

♦' Hear me Immortals ! I have just return'd 

From yon low earth, where I in vain have striven, 

To aid the youth who in the dingy shades 

Of ****** ****^ Q'gr the musty leaves 

Of old * * * * desperately pour ; 

Or sit beneath the philosophic sound 

Of pigmy ***** voice striving to show 

The hidden truths of his * * » * *. 

Hopeless of these, just now liave I returned ; 

And that, to hear our King assume such pow'r, 

As but of right alone to me belongs. 

I covet not his might; mine, let it be 

As it hath been in famous days of yore. 

To guide the poet on his wand'ring path. 

Among the wilds of the Parnassian hill ; 

To cheer the scholar in his weary task — 

Through Science' maze to lead him honor'd on. 

Then mine's this work, to build and to select 

Such hearts that long for Learning's sacred light. 



MYTHOLOGY RESIT5CITATED. 

Let Jove still rule the warring elements, 
But let me guide the conflicts of the mind, 
'Tis all I ask, and it is mine by right." 

" Riglit — brave — right," in acclamation loud, 

And noisy tumult all the gods cried out, 

While all the arches of the Empyrean 

Rang with the clat'ring din of bat'ring feet, 

And clapping hands, and loud profuse applause. 

Thus not uncommon 'mong us here below. 

To applaud the orator, when some rare wit. 

Or thought perchance delights the hearers ears: 

Witness of late Holitico declaim, 

A temp'rance champion first upon the stage, 

Then launching forth into the raging sea 

Of politics, he reasons "law and right," 

While old men stare, and envious young ones sneer, 

And hooting boys assist the loud applause. 

And virgins echo, " O the nice young man." 

Jove hurled his furious thunderbolts in vain, 

For list'ning to the roar the riotous throng 

But made it signal for a greater noise. 

Seizing the opportunity, Phoebus left 

The hideous din, and t'wards the distant earth, 

Thoughtful and swiftly, wings his onward way. 



10 {^Tl'in Vl'HOAO, OK 

CANTO 11. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

Juno having been ordernd ofF, rathor uMceremnnioiisIy, departs 
— swflliiig with aii2;cr at the insuli she coiiceiVKl Id have been 
offered lier Iris tinds her weeping and pouiiiijr- she aiienipis 
ti) sooth liiT, by relatin;; to her what she liad observed on ilie 
earih— ftoin wjiich relation Juno a .»nce conjectnres the object 
of liie meetinsf lield by the Gods— and accordin<;ly dt'terinin>s on 
revenge. Iris is sent to convene the goddesses, who having col- 
lected around their Ciiieen, she relates to them what had iiap- 
pened— lamenting much the loss of ili:; power they fornierly had 
over their lords, and ollbring a great reward to her who would 
revenge her upon the gods, by overturning in some man ler, 
tiieir plans and intentions, viz., that of causing a college to be 
built forthe sakeof eniigluenin!.' the ignorant minds of the peo- 
ple. Venus utidertakes to accomplish this, by means of striking 
with love the inmates of the f^— m — y. The other goildesses 
approving of the plan — she departs to put it into action. 



Meanwhile had Juno, with indignant breast, 
Swelling with injured pride, the presence left 
Of her stern lord, in solitude to pour 
The griefs and sorrows of a pouting spouse. 
Sighs from her heart, and tears burst from her eyes, 
"Woman's choice weapon, ever-ready tears, 
By which she reasons, wars, and sways at last. 
While thus the angry goddess grieving lay. 
Iris the lovely, on her rainbow steed 
Approach'd her weeping mistress, wond'ring much — 
And so to soothe her thus her words began: 
4* Fair goddess deign to hear. From yon far orb, 
Where I had wandered, I have just relurn'd ; 
And as I rov'd along the misty hills, 
After a vernal shower, where Parnel's top. 



MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED. 11 

In tow'ring grandeur separates the clouds ; 
O'erlooking all the wide and fertile plain 
Around the village of fair M — r — g ; 
There seated on the air with curious eye, 
A strange unlook'd for wonder I beheld. 

For suddenly by secret impulse led, 
A band of men came from the hills and vales 
Of all that country, armed with instruments, 
Such as the skilful miner's wont to use ; 
And spreading through the fields from quarries deep, 
Dug up tiie azure stone, of various bulk ; 
Others convey'd them to the deslin'd spot, 
While others still with well-experienced skill, 
Commenced the rock-bas'd fundamental wall. 
Some kneaded with strong oxen the tough clay, 
And quickly moulding brick with handy art, 
Careful convey'd them to the heated kilns. 
From thence again convey'd well burned for use — 
Then came the architect, with plumb and line. 
Beneath whose hand the noble structure rose 
In sudden beauty to the smiling skies ; 
Thus in a moment, on an airy hill. 
Beneath whose feet stood rural M — r — g ; 
O'erlooking all that town and country round. 
Rose M — 1 C — c, in its noble pride- 
Now high upon its tow'r the solemn bell. 
Swells its loud echoes o'er the list'ning plains. 
From hill and rock the trembling- tones rebound. 



12 CUriD ABUOAD, OR 

While from the hills and vales, afar and near, 

Answering to the call, were seen to approach 

Wending their lonely way, and bending 'neath 

Tiie monstrous load of trunks, and books, and scrolls. 

Youths of all altitude and kind, and mind, 

Language and country, costume, circumstance, 

Hoosier, Buckeye, Sucker, Wolverine, 

Jonathan, Frank, Paddy, Habersocks; 

Some like huge giants, strode with horrid pace. 

Bounding o'er fences, dikes, and sloughs, and streams, 

Fit emblem of their speed in after days, 

Through knowledge's lone and solitary way. 

Others more small, with slow and tardy pace. 

Creeping through fences, swimming, wading streams, 

O'er which their giant fellows leapt with ease, 

Thus on they came, and entering the pile. 

Instinctively each to his chamber trod ; 

Where now they sit, wrapt in the mysteries 

Of ancient and of philosophic lore. 

Tims pass their hours in sludious thought away. 

Without a single care to interrupt, 

Except perhaps some adverse star malign. 

Bring a strange animal, with aspect dire 

To assault their peace with hateful bills and duns." 

" Enough, enough, unvcil'd the mystery, 
I now perceive full well why I was driven 
Forth from the presence of the assembled gods. 
Now for revenge — Fair Iris quick depart. 
Proclaim my will, that all the dames of Ileav'n, 



MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED. 13 

Collect this evening at the hour of tea. 

For work of vast import commands our minds." 

Slie ceased, and Iris on her color'd wings, 

Cleft the soft air, and mounting swift aboon, 

Sped her bright way through all the Elysian fields, 

To cite the goddesses wherever found, 

Whether in bower or field, or hill, or wood. 

Or sweetly laving in the limpid flood, 

She sunnnon'd all. Forthwith the stately dames 

Began their journey to their angry queen. 

Never before was such a conclave seen. 

Such matchless beauty in one throng combin'd. 

Tha^ quickl}'^ met the lovely company. 
Around the tables of their honor'd queen. 
Which nymphs had loaded with the choicest fruits 
That grow in all the vast confines of heav'n. 
Before each one a cup capacious stood, 
Whence curling fumes of fragrant tea arose; 
Not of the kind that from the Chinese plains. 
Hyson, Imperial, or whatever named; 
But of the herb tiiat on the verdant meads 
Of Paradise springs with eternal bloom. 
Now ever and anon they taste and sip, 
While all around the endless talk arose; 
Right characteristic of the tender sex — 
Nor much unlike the talk that here is heard. 
When women meet, to spend a social hour. 
The litest news from every part was told, 
Tlic latest style discuss'd, and criticis'd. 



14 CUPID AKKOAD, OR 

******** 
******** 
But all the while fair Juno pensive sat, 
Sipping her tea in moody solitude ; 
While ever and anon a sparkling tear 
Sought its slow course adown her blooming cheek, 
Yet unobserv'd, so busily engag'd, 
Each with her neighbor in some new-born tale. 
Happily the crowd at length perceiv'd 
Their silent mistress' melancholy mood. 
Curious to know the cause, then each enquir'd 
With soothing voice, and sympathetic face ; 
When Juno thus unto her guests began : 

«' Hear mfe ye matchless Goddesses of Heaven, 

I speak in rage, in rage I have convened 

You here this eve, to hear my bitter tale. 

How I have been most cruelly oppressed. 

Insulted too, before the whole concourse 

Of the assembled Gods ; and not an arm 

Uplifted on my side. Ye days of old, 

Ye glorious days of femnle sovereignty. 

When at my word ten tiiousand swords had braved 

The powers of earth and heaven, e'en Jove himself! 

But ah how changed from those bright days of yore ! 

When at our feet full ofl in rueful plight, 

All for a single kiss, or smile perchance, 

We held them slaves; which thou canst well attest, 

Fair Queen of Beauty. But now the table's turned. 

With doub.'e weight the yoke doth clog our necks. 



MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED. 15 

'Tis time we stir ; altlioug-h some pretence still 

Might make our righteous cause appear more just. 

That pretence we possess, what need we more, 

Than the insult of which I've spoke before, 

Was offered me this morning in presence of 

The whole concourse of assembled Gods. 

Because forsooth some secret council had 

Of late their minds employed. Yet although driven 

Forth from their midst, jet cunningly I've learned 

The object of that concourse and its aim." 

Thus she recounted to them the affair, 

As slie had learned from the fair messenger, 

And with these words concluded her discourse : 

" Great the reward to her who overthrows 

And turns to naught this labour of our lords." 

Then there was silence — each within her mind 
Turn'd various plans, to accomplish the design ; 
When the bright queen of Beauty rose, and thus 
Began, " The task to overthrow this work 
Be mine. The means I use now also hear. 
Beneatli the hill where M — h — II C — 11 — e stands, 

Lies a small village, rural M g, 

tiere dwells a band of charming bright-eyed maids. 

Fair as the dawn, fit to consort with kings, 

Whose lovely forms might charm a Raphael's gaze. 

Artful as lovely, none could better suit 

As instruments to accomplish the design. 

For I will strike with luve the studious youth — 

What needeth more, science and love ne'er met 



IG CUPID ABROAD, OR 

In friendly bonds of peace and amity — 
But 'tis enougli, ye soon shrill see the end." 
All with the project pleased wished her success, 
While she departed on her destined way. 



CANTO III, 

A R G U 51 E N T . 

At that timo wlion Fol enters Taurus, Venus, as had born 
determined, makes lirr desceni anrl strikes with the "lender 
passions" the inmates of the ('— 1— e. Its effects upon the 
Collepian— on the Tlteolo^ian. Vonus calls T.-rpsichoie to h^-r 
aid. Her prie-t approaches t>om a neis;hl)0urin2 town. The 
youth resorts to him for insiruclioii in the graces of his art 
Tiieir P— t— r opposition. The end. 

Now bloomin(r Flora over all the earth 

Had scattered flowers in the steps of spring^ ; 

Birds sweetly sang-, the crystal waters rushed, 

The leaves spranj^ fijrth, and frat^/ant roses bloomed. 

Activity and life ihroutrh Nature's breast 

With balmy warmth invig^orating- ran, 

When Venus with her Paphian boy appeared. 

Intent on conquest. Well chosen too the time. 

For best her work succeeds mid bloom and Flower.*!, 

When skies are bright and freshening breezes wall 

A tranquil gladness o'er the teeming earth. 

The town pours forth its fair inliabitants. 

Lured by the beauty of the sunny sky, 

And verdant field.s. Through wood and lawn, 

In witching loveliness and joy they roam : 

The mellow air unto their glowing cheecks 

Lends deeper glow, and from th.eir beaming eyes 



MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED. 17 

The lightning' glance renewed distinctive shoots. 

Woe unto him that gazes ; woe to him 

That now encountering but that glance receives. 

Now wary Venus kindles in each heart, 

Though feebly first, the wild yet infant flame. 

Restless they rise, scarce knowing what's the matter 

And from their lonely chambers peep. 'Tis done. 

Venus has conquered ; for towards the frowning pile 

By tiie fair Goddess' unseen hand impelled, 

With many an artful smile and winning grace; 

Enough to make the sternest Anch'rite sigh 

They see those gay and bright-eyed tempters come. 

They look, they gaze, admire, while Venus feeds 

With ample bounty the increasing spark. 

They look, they gaze, they feed upon the sight, 

Like a sick man, reviving from a long 

Food-loatliing malad}', beholds 

With raging appetite the smoking dish 

Now first approached for many a hungry hour. 

Thus long they now to taste the dewy sweets 

Upon the lips (*f love ; while through their frames 

The fierce, controlless, burning fervor rushed. 

Oh then there was a stir, and such a stir — 

Say hast' beheld the long ice fettered fount. 

Warmed by the beams of the congenial sun. 

Cast from its bosom its congealing chain; 

And swell its rapid waters forth anew? 

Thus in their hearts, warmed by the rage of love. 



18 CUriD ABROAD, OR 

The long-pent springs of feeling were unloosed J 
And forth they gushed in overflowing streams, 
With a resistless, unrelenting power. 
Maddened with love the once laborious youth 
Forsook their labour. Books and each instrument 
Of studious toil, are now all thrown aside, 
While on the air re-echoes sigh on sigh. 

The proud Collegian stepped down from his height. 

Of lifted dignity, to buw a slave 

To mighty love. No more ambition binds 

Him to his weary task, dull and careworn ; 

Love has dispelled the bright alluring dream 

Of honour and renown, that ofl was wont 

To cheer afresh his enervated heart, 

Ready to sink beneath its burdening toil. 

Far different labour now his lime employs, 

Twixt " comb and glass^^ his passing moments fly. 

Once careless of appearance, now he strives 

With ready art to add where Nature wants. 

Like Polyphemus for Galatea's smile 

He brings his offering to the Graces' shrine. 

Tricked up to style, he essays to sally forth, 

Yet often turns again unto his glass, 

To give his Nutria a better set, 

Or to expose more lavish to the sight 

His snowy cambric from its prison door. 

Some slowly stray in gloomy grove and glen. 
In solitude to pour their tender plaints, 



MYTIIOLOr.Y RESrsriTATED. 10 

And groan to listless trees the quenchless ping's 

That rack their tortured souls. Some watchful sit, 

When midnight shadows veil the sleepino- earth 

And pray the chastened moon and glim'ring stars, 

In love's pathetic strains for sympathy. 

The plain prose thinker has his thoughts all turned 

To poetry. He melancholy sits, 

While song and sonnet from his busy pen. 

By love inspired in mournful numbers flow. 

Each silent eve along the streets and lanes, 

They slowly stray, if haply they should meet 

The cherished one, if but to catch a glimpse 

From the bright eyes that set their hearts on fire. 

Music is called to aid ; its trembling strains 

Renders melodious each starbeaming night ; 

The tender tones of flute and clarionet 

Beneath the oft frequented window tell, 

And to the fair confess their inward pain — 

The lattice opens and a snowy arm 

But dimly seen, pours on the eajer youth 

A lavish shower of garlands and boquets. 

They scranible, snatch, and fondly to their hearts 

They press the blooming trophies of success. 

That night around their pillow, glorious dreams 

Hover on fairy wings of ectasy. 

How dilFerent from those whom adverse fate, 

Has empty sent unto their joyless beds. 

No dreams of bliss enchant their sleepless eyes. 

The morning bright beholds them pale and wan, 



20 CUPID ABROAD, OR 

Cheerless and sad. Drear disappointment sits, 
Like mists from Erebus upon their souls. 

The stern Theologian overcome perforce ; 

To whom this precept was a daily guide, 

''Take no forethought what thou mayest wear." No 

More we see him pace the streets with solemn steps, 

The while his simple vesture tells a heart 

Humbly obedient to his master's will. 

But spruce aad gay, tricked up in latest style 

Sir Fashion now he stately stalks along. 

The populace behold — In truth he is 

Some " Man of Leisure," some cash-crowded heir 

Unto a wealthy Astor or Bragean. 

Ills task forgot, his prayers half mumbled o'er, 

" Her image steals between his God and him," 

He scarce can tell to which his heart is raised. 

In vain the D — t — r scolds and threats and warns, 

In vain the B— d of V — t — r's convene, 

To stay the progress of the subtile power, 

In vain they cast o'erboard the stricken youth 

Who dare to bow to any other shrine. 

Than Heaven's.— Not wholly free the D. P.'s self. 

Nor was his labor vain or amiss. Sly 

And cunninjrly he waged the lovcborn siege. 

And fortune smiled propitious on his suit. 

To;facilitatc her labour Venus calls 

Terpsichore to aid. Her minister, 

Who seeks no higher honour than to instruct 



MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED. 21 

The mazy mysteries of the mobile dance ; 

Makes his appearance from a neighbouring town. 

To him repairs each awkward lad and las«, 

Lo forth they come. Ye gods I what matchless grace 

Attends each turn, attends each measured step — 

How killing nice their mien, their manner how 

Superb — 'Tis true their P — t — r doth declaim 

In speech severe against the wanton art, 

Remembering well, as that blind bard relates 

In matchless verse, how Canaan's tripping fair, 

Stole from the sons of God their roving heart. 

Preferring a'lso natural grace, the air, 

That springeth from the unaffected breast, 

Unto the hollow counterfeit of art. 

Yet uselessly the P — t — r may oppose. 

Uncompromising love attains the sway ; 

Religion's self is turned into a means 

To pander to its all absorbing power. 

And how forego the dance, the graceful dance, 

Decoyous, charming, all enticing dance ; 

The wanton conqueror of the stoutest hearts ? 

Ah how forego love's mightiest instrument? 

Arlette's nimble feet stole Normand's heart ; 

Spusippus raves at Paneretta's steps ; 

Rolls from the bleeding trunk the Baptist's head, 

When bright flerodias trips before the king. 

E'en Venus self thus plundered Paris' heart, 

Thus now oh M — t — n many a breast shall feel 

The potent influence of thy matchless skill. 



22 CUPID ABKOAD. 

And yc who still with Puritan dislike, 
And frowning look, the magic dance behold; 
Hush up the grumbling torturer within, 
And fly to learn the all-bewitching art. 
For how expect within the '• lists of love" 
To cope with those whom such superior grace 
Of limb and mien, excels above yourselves. 

Ah Venus, Venus thou hast conquered and 

Vainly now, the raging Apollo strives, 

To bring again hi? vot'ries to his shrine. 

Once having tasted the delicious bit, 

They glut, they gorge, and yet the more the pain 

Insatiate calls, and still unsatisfied, 

Feeds, gluts again, ahungered and uncloyed. 



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